Tromso, Norway: In 36 hours

 

Visiting Tromso, Norway in 36 hours. 

I've never been so fickle minded as to where, when and how to squeeze this personal trip.  Until the stars aligned, the signs were seen and prayers answered.  I bought my flight one month before the actual travel date.  Let me tell you that this is not the most economical decision made, also not a restful experience in spending a visit in a city. I even had "crazy" remarks (not the lunatic version) from my colleagues on why I'm doing this.  But for me, it was definitely a worthy, adventure-filled weekend well spent within the arctic circle. 

I'm coming from Copenhagen, flew in via Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to Tromso and headed back to CPH via Norwegian Air.  Let me share with you my once in a lifetime experience of visiting Tromso, Norway in less than 36 hours. 

It was (All Saint's Day), first day of November and I woke up early on a Saturday morning.  Took an early train heading to the airport.  Happily walking, hopping and jumping as I find my way to the departure gate.

11:15 Upon arrival at the airport, I immediately found my way to the bus station pick-up point heading to the city center. It's already snowy on the road.

Here are the activities, snacks I tried and places visited in the city. 

12:40 Send postcards back to homeland.

I got the postcard and stamps from Tourist Shop Tromsø Harbour (Kirkegata 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway).  They also offered to sent the postcards themselves.

Enjoy the autumn colors.

13:00 Take the shuttle bus to Fjellheisen station.

Pre-planning stage, I did compare the experience on crossing the bridge (with strong cold wind) or taking the public bus (with difficulty walking on the road without wearing cleats and still a bit far away from the cable car station) versus taking the shuttle bus. Without discounts, I bought the round trip shuttle bus and cable car for 695 nok (https://shuttle.fjellheisen.no/)

View while crossing Tromsø Bridge (Tromsøbrua) and the looking over the fjords.

13:20 Took the gondola cable car up to Storsteinen mountain.

Didn't get a good view going up, but a better view going down from the mountain.

13:30 In Fjellstua Café Og Restaurant, had vegetarian apple tart (110 nok) and coffee for lunch.

Roam around Schwabenloch and  Tromsø Viewpoint (Tromsø Utkikkspunkt) in the next 1.5 hrs.

Please always research and study before going to new places.  Know the weather and temperature.  Gear up properly.  This is not my first winter experience, but I wore crampons or cleats especially that I'm not familiar in walking on snow.  Study how to dress in cold weather, understand layering technique.  

 

It was a wonderful sunset scene from the mountain.  And the darkness deepens the area, so I have to go down to the shuttle bus station.

15:15 I'm heading back to the city center.  

Passing by the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen), constructed from concrete & aluminum in the 1960s, with glass facade.

Along Tromsø cruise port, I've seen Kystvakt (Coast Guard) W324.

16:15 Check-in at Radisson Blu Hotel.  Re-charge my phone.  Had a quick rest before jumping to the next activity.

 

17:30 Got my filet-o-fish sandwich from the Northernmost McDonald's in the world. At night, McDonald's is too crowded and busy.  If you prefer a more peaceful, less crowded time, go there early in the morning.

18:00 Waiting for our guides as I'm joining the northern lights tour. And that's for another page.

22:00 We're back to the city center.  As most of the joiners are staying at Radisson, they dropped us in our hotel.

 

I randomly woke-up to check if there would be dancing lights during the night, but there was none.

Following day (All Soul's Day), it was cloudy for the rest of the day.  Luckily it didn't rain.  Download Yr app to monitor temperature and weather forecast in Norway.

08:30 Started to roam around the center, walking around Storgata and Stortorget.

In front of a shop, there's a huge troll, creatures deeply rooted in Scandinavian folklore.

Passing by several souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes.

Below is King Haakon VII Statue (on left) and Fangstmonument (Arctic Hunter) (on the right).

Here's Raketten Bar & Pølse (Rakettkiosken), famous for its reindeer sausage.  You can read reviews in Google maps if it's worth the queue on cold wind or just a hype.  I skipped this one, since I already tried sausages in Bergen and Copenhagen.

I continue to roam around Tromsø Havn (Stortorget 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway).  From faraway, you can see Sauna Pust Tromsø.  This is also another activity you can enjoy in Tromso.

If time permits, visit exhibitions in museums as well, like Perspective Museum below.

Just like as I took photos of manholes in Japan.  Here they have Tromsø kommune manhole cover, crowned reindeer designed which is one example of an Arctic industrial art.

10:00 Got avo toast from FINT kafé & bar (Helsekvartalet, Skippergata 1C, 9008 Tromsø)

Sourdough toast with avocado smash, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onion, fresh coriander, sunflower seeds and a drizzle of agave or honey for 199 nok.

It was a good experience dining here.  They also have books and magazines available while waiting for the food to be served.

11:00 Got coffee latte and makroner (crunchy, almond-flavored cookies) from Vervet Bakeri (Gjøastredet 1, 9008 Tromsø)

Pass by Cathedral of Our Lady, Tromsø (Vår Frue domkirke i Tromsø) probably the northernmost Catholic cathedral in the world located in Erling Bangsunds square.  Notable for its neo-Gothic style.

12:00 Arrived at Tromsø City Library and Archive (Tromsø bibliotek og byarkiv)

For locals, they have special registration and can get inside the premises earlier than the public. I did ask approval before taking shots on the library (just be reminded not take photos of the public).

Wish to stay longer at this place, as I want to browse more of their books and rest my feet.

Bought pastries from Backstube (Storgata 70, 9008 Tromsø)

Pass by Tromsø Cathedral (Kirkegata 7, 9008 Tromsø) probably northernmost Protestant cathedral in the world.  In case you are visiting, check if there are available schedule for midnight concert held here. 

13:00 I went back to the hotel to get my stuff.  Headed to the nearest bus station to head back to the airport.

13:30 Arrived at the airport.  Spent almost 30 minutes queueing at the security check.  14:30 They started boarding us on our flight.  Taking Norweigian Arlines 15:10 flight back to Copenhagen.  You can skip getting snacks on the plane, it's not that tasty.  Instead you eat before or after your flight.

18:10 I was able to exit the departure hall in Copenhagen airport.  

That's my well-spent and meaningful 36 hours adventure in Tromso.  I'll always be thankful for this opportunity and experience on visiting the Arctic Circle.

Source: wikimedia